Identifier tag assembly having peripheral frame

ABSTRACT

This application relates to identifier tag assembly including a holder having a peripheral frame, a backer sheet and indicia visible through the holder when the backer sheet and holder are coupled together. The frame is preferably transparent or semi-transparent so that at least part of the indicia is visible through the frame. In one embodiment indicia may be printed on the frame itself. Indicia may alternatively or additionally be visible through an inner portion of the holder, such as a central opening surrounded by the frame. The indicia may comprise decorative designs, patterns, colorations and/or text. The indicia may be carried on the backer sheet or on one or more inserts positionable between the holder and the backer sheet. In one embodiment an insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the frame and may be aligned with the frame when the identifier tag is assembled. In another embodiment the insert may have approximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet. Multiple inserts having the same or different sizes and shapes may be superimposed on one another and/or the backer sheet to create a composite visual effect. The frame may be shaped to create a desired visual effect, such as a lens for magnifying underlying indicia.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to an improved identifier tag assembly.

BACKGROUND

As described in the Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,252 issued 27 Apr.2004, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference,adhesive-free identifier tag assemblies wearable on articles of clothingare known in the prior art. As described in the '252 patent, eachassembly may comprise a holder, a backer sheet and a printed identifiertag which is insertable between the holder and the backer sheet. Theprinted tag may be held in alignment in the assembly between the holderand the backer sheet without the use of adhesives. The printed tag maybear the user's name or some other printed indicia. The backer sheet maybe a metal plate which is held in position on the user's clothing with asmall magnet.

In the embodiment illustrated in the '252 patent, the holder has acontinuous upper surface which is transparent or translucent to ensurethat the printed tag is visible through the holder. The printed tag isapproximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet to ensure itis held securely in alignment. The holder may include a magnifying lensor a custom contour to enhance the readability of the identifier tag orto vary other visual effects.

Many other name tag holders and name badges are known in the prior art.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,275, Thornell, discloses a reusablebadge comprises a concavo-convex lens member having a peripheral flangeand a resilient backing plate which may be coupled to the lens. Displaymaterial may be placed between the lens and the backing plate. However,the peripheral flange is continuous with the remainder of the lens andis not adapted for simulating the appearance of a decorative framesurrounding the display material.

The need has arisen for an identifier tag assembly including a holderhaving the appearance of a peripheral frame rather than a continuousupper surface. The need has particularly arisen for a holder shaped toreceive decorative inserts to readably modify the appearance of theframe and hence the overall visual effect of the identifier tagassembly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an identifier tag assembly is providedcomprising a holder having a peripheral frame surrounding an innerportion; a backer sheet releasably securable to the holder; and indiciavisible through the holder when the holder and the backer sheet arecoupled together. In one embodiment at least part of the indicia is onthe backer sheet. In another embodiment at least part of the indicia ison an insert positionable between the holder and the backer sheet.Preferably the frame is transparent or semi-transparent so that at leastpart of the indicia is visible through the frame. The inner portionsurrounded by the frame may be uncovered or covered with a transparentor semi-transparent covering such that at least part of the indicia isvisible through the inner portion.

In one embodiment the indicia is decorative. For example, the indiciamay comprise a design, pattern and/or coloration. In another embodimentthe indicia may comprise printed text. In one embodiment at least partof the indicia may be applied to a peripheral portion of the backersheet and/or an insert disposed between the holder and the backer sheetso that such indicia is visible through the frame. In one embodiment theindicia may be printed on the frame itself. The assembly may beconfigured so that part of the indicia is visible through the frame andanother part of the indicia is visible through the inner portion. In oneembodiment the insert may be transparent or semi-transparent such thatat least part of the backer sheet is visible through the insert.

In one embodiment of the invention the insert is approximately the samesize and shape as the frame and is alignable with the frame when theholder, insert and backer sheet are assembled together. The holder maycomprise a channel formed on an undersurface of the frame sized toreceive the insert. In another embodiment the insert may beapproximately the same size and shape as the backer sheet. In stillanother embodiment, two or more inserts may be provided which may besuperimposed on one another between the holder and the backer sheet. Forexample, a first insert may have approximately the same size and shapeas the frame and a second insert may have approximately the same sizeand shape as the backer sheet. One or both of the inserts may bear atleast part of the indicia. A composite visual effect may be achieved bysuperimposing portions of indicia on the first and second inserts, or onone or more of the inserts and/or the backer sheet and/or the frameitself.

The frame may be configured to enhance the readability of the indicia orto create some other visual effect. For example, the frame may be formedin the shape of a lens such that indicia visible through the frame ismagnified in size or otherwise altered in appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, but whichshould not be construed as restricting the spirit or scope of theinvention in any way,

FIG. 1(a) is an isometric view of an identifier tag assembly configuredin accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 1(a);

FIG. 2(a) is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 2(a);

FIG. 3(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 3(a);

FIG. 4(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 4(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 4(a);

FIG. 5(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 5(a);

FIG. 6(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 6(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 6(a);

FIG. 7(a) is an isometric view of a further alterative embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 8(a) is an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention similarto the embodiment of FIG. 7(a);

FIG. 8(b) is an exploded isometric view of the assembly of FIG. 8(a)showing text printed on the reverse side of an insert;

FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of theinvention having a cover over the inner portion of the holder;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 (a) is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9having a flat frame profile;

FIG. 12 (b) is a side elevational view of an embodiment similar to theembodiment of FIG. 12(a) but having a curved frame profile;

FIG. 13(a) is an end elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 havinga flat frame profile;

FIG. 13(b) is an end elevational view of an embodiment similar to theembodiment of FIG. 13(a)but having a curved frame profile;

FIG. 14(a) is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines A-A ofFIG. 10 and showing a flat frame profile;

FIG. 14(b) is a longitudinal sectional view of an embodiment similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 14(a) showing a curved frame profile;

FIG. 15(a) is a transverse sectional view taken along lines B-B of FIG.10 and showing a flat frame profile; and

FIG. 15(b) is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment similar tothe embodiment of FIG. 15(a) showing a curved frame profile.

DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention.However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. Inother instances, well known elements have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, thespecification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, ratherthan a restrictive, sense.

With reference to FIG. 1(a), an assembled identifier tag 10 is shown. Inthe illustrated embodiment tag 10 includes name indicia 12 and corporateindica 14. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, tag 10could alternatively include other identifying or decorative indicia. Asused in this patent application the term “indicia” includes decorativedesigns, patterns, coloration, text, or any other visually discernableindicia.

As shown best in FIG. 1(b), in one embodiment tag 10 is assembled from aholder 16 formed in the shape of a frame, an insert 18 insertable intoholder 12, and a backer sheet 20. In this embodiment name indicia 12 isprinted on insert 18 and corporate indicia 14 is printed on backer sheet20. Insert 18 could be produced, for example, using a desktop computerprinter in accordance with the process described in U.S. Pat. No.6,726,252 issued 27 Apr. 2004, hereby incorporated by reference. In thisembodiment insert 18 is transparent, or semi-transparent, so that thecorporate indicia 14 printed on backer sheet 20 is visible when tag 10is assembled (FIG. 1(a)).

Holder 16, insert 18 and backer sheet 20 are alignable components whichmay be reversibly assembled together without the use of adhesives. Asdescribed in the '252 patent, in one embodiment of the invention backersheet 16 may be a metal plate and tag 10 is held in place, for exampleon a wearer's clothing, with a small magnet.

Holder 16 includes frame elements 21 which together define a peripheralframe 22 surrounding an inner portion of holder 16, such as a centralopening 24. Opening 24 may be uncovered or covered with a transparent orsemi-transparent covering (FIG. 9) so that indicia 12 and 14 are visiblewhen tag 10 is assembled. In this embodiment holder frame 22 surroundsand frames indica 12, 14 in the assembled configuration in the samemanner that a picture frame surrounds and frames a picture. Backer sheet20 includes a peripheral rim 26 to releasably clip holder 16, insert 18and backer sheet 20 together in the assembled configuration.

In one embodiment, frame elements 21 may be contoured to create adesired aesthetic effect. For example, frame elements 21 may beoutwardly convex so that frame 22 has a curved contour and/or amagnifying lens effect. As described below and best shown in FIG. 9,frame elements 21 may define an inner peripheral channel 32. In theembodiment of FIG. 1(a), channel 32 receives peripheral portions ofinsert 18 when tag 10 is assembled.

FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) illustrate an alternative embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment tag 10 includes a frame insert 28 inaddition to holder 16, insert 18 and backer sheet 20. Frame insert 28 isapproximately the same size and shape as frame 22 so that insert 28 willfit within channel 32 formed on the undersurface of holder 16 (FIG. 9).As indicated above, frame 22 is preferably formed from transparentplastic or the like so that frame insert 28 is readily visible when tag10 is assembled. Frame insert 28 may be colored and/or includedecorative designs and patterns. For example, frame insert 28 may becolored silver or gold to give holder frame 22 a silver or gold “mirror”appearance. Frame insert 28 may also be patterned, for example, toconvey a mottled, matte or shiny metallic appearance.

Insert 18 and/or backer sheet 20 disposed underneath frame insert 28 mayalso optionally be colored or patterned so that the combination ofinsert 18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 produces a composite visual effectwhen tag 10 is assembled.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 iscolored and/or patterned and frame insert 28 is omitted. When tag 10 isassembled the patterning and/or coloration on the peripheral portion 30of insert 18 is visible through frame 22.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of theinvention. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 3(a)and 3(b) except that tag 10 includes both a patterned insert 18 and aframe insert 28. Insert 28 may be disposed either above or below insert18. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), inserts 18 and 28 andbacker sheet 20 may be selected to create a composite visual effect whentag 10 is assembled. For example, frame insert 28 may change the coloror appearance of the patterned portion 30 formed around the periphery ofinsert 18.

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate a further alternative embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment the peripheral portion 30 of insert 18 mayinclude text indica rather than a decorative pattern. When tag 10 isassembled (FIG. 4(a)), the text or other indicia in the peripheralportion 30 of insert 18 is visible through holder frame 22. As mentionedabove, holder 16 may be contoured to produce a magnifying lens effect orsome other effect to enhance the readability or aesthetic appearance ofthe text.

FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b) illustrate another embodiment of the invention. Thisembodiment is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) exceptthat tag 10 includes both an insert 18 having text within peripheralportion 30 and a frame insert 28. Insert 28 may be disposed either aboveor below insert 18. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), inserts18 and 28 and backer sheet 20 may be selected to create a compositevisual effect when tag 10 is assembled. For example, frame insert 28 maychange the color or appearance of the text or other indicia withinportion 30 formed around the periphery of insert 18.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b),text or other indicia 34 could be printed directly on one or more frameelements 21 of frame 22. Although this would restrict the versatility ofholder 16 in some respects, holders 16 with or without indicia 34, orbearing different indicia 34, are easily interchangeable in a modularfashion in accordance with the invention. For example, a holder 16having a frame element 22 printed with indicia 34 reading “25 YEARS OFSERVICE” could be easily interchanged with a holder 16 having a frameelement 22 printed with indicia 34 reading “10 YEARS OF SERVICE”.

FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodimentof FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). In this embodiment indicia 12 is printed on areverse side 34 of insert 18. When tag 10 is assembled, reverse side 36bearing indicia 12 faces backer plate 20. However, indicia 12 is readilyvisible since insert 18 is otherwise transparent. The advantage of thisembodiment is that, in the assembled configuration, indicia 12 is notexposed through holder opening 24 and it is therefore less likely thatindicia 12 will be smudged, rubbed off or otherwise defaced.

FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a still further embodiment of the inventionwherein tag 10 includes a frame insert 28 and a backer sheet 20 inaddition to holder 16 but wherein insert 18 is omitted. In thisembodiment frame insert 28 could be selected to modify the appearance offrame 22 as described above. In this embodiment indicia 12, 14 (notshown in this view) could be printed directly on backer sheet 20 ratherthan on a separate insert 18 (i.e. inserts 18 and 28 could be omittedentirely). Further, in this embodiment central portion 24 of holder 16is covered (for example by a transparent or semi-transparent covering38).

As indicated above, the shape and configuration of frame elements 22 ofholder 16 may vary without departing from the invention. FIGS. 9, 10,11, 12(a), 13(a), 14(a) and 15(a) show an embodiment having a flat upperframe profile. FIGS. 12(b), 13(b), 14(b) and 15(b) illustrate a similarembodiment having a curved upper frame profile.

As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, many othervariations in the appearance, size and number of inserts 18 and 28 andbacker sheet 20 are possible without departing from the invention. Suchvariations will alter the visual effect of the overall identifier tag 10as described above and illustrated in the drawings.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of theforegoing disclosure, may alterations and modifications are possible inthe practice of the invention without departing from the spirit or scopethereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed inaccordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

1. An identifier tag assembly comprising: (a) a holder having aperipheral frame surrounding an inner portion; (b) a backer sheetreleasably securable to said holder; and (c) indicia visible throughsaid holder when said holder and said backer sheet are coupled together.2. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein saidbacker sheet bears at least part of said indicia.
 3. The identifier tagassembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising an insertpositionable between said holder and frame, wherein said insert bears atleast part of said indicia.
 4. The identifier tag assembly as defined inclaim 1, wherein said frame is transparent or semi-transparent andwherein at least part of said indicia is visible through said frame. 5.The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at leastpart of said indicia is decorative.
 6. The identifier tag assembly asdefined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of said indicia iscolored.
 7. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 4, whereinsaid at least part of said indicia is printed text.
 8. The identifiertag assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein said at least part of saidindicia is applied to a peripheral portion of said backer sheet.
 9. Theidentifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein at least part ofsaid printed indicia is visible through said inner portion.
 10. Theidentifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a first part ofsaid indicia is visible through said frame and a second part of saidindicia is visible through said inner portion.
 11. The identifier tagassembly as defined in claim 10, wherein said first part of said indiciais decorative and said second part of said indica comprises printedtext.
 12. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising an insert positionable said holder and said backer sheet,wherein said insert bears at least part of said indicia.
 13. Theidentifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said at leastpart of said indicia is visible through said frame.
 14. The identifiertag assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said at least part of saidindicia is visible through said inner portion.
 15. The identifier tagassembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert is at least partlytransparent or semi-transparent such that at least part of said backersheet is visible through said insert.
 16. The identifier tag assembly asdefined in 12, wherein said insert is approximately the same size andshape as said frame and is aligned with said frame when said holder,insert and backer sheet are assembled together.
 17. The identifier tagassembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said insert is approximatelythe same size and shape as said backer sheet.
 18. The identifier tagassembly as defined in claim 1, further comprising a first insert havingapproximately the same size and shape as said frame and a second inserthaving approximately the same size and shape as said backer sheet,wherein said first and second inserts are positionable between saidholder and said backer sheet.
 19. The identifier tag assembly as definedin claim 18, wherein at least one of said first and second inserts bearat least part of said indicia.
 20. The identifier tag assembly asdefined in claim 18, wherein said insert comprises a decorative pattern.21. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18, wherein saidinsert is colored.
 22. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim18, wherein at least part of said indicia comprises a composite ofindicia superimposed on said first and second inserts.
 23. Theidentifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame is inthe shape of lens, wherein said indicia visible through said frame ismagnified in size.
 24. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim1, wherein an upper surface of said frame is arcuately curved.
 25. Theidentifier tag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said frame isrectangular.
 26. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18,wherein said first insert is disposed between said holder and saidsecond insert.
 27. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 18,wherein said second insert is disposed between said holder and saidfirst insert.
 28. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim 12,wherein said insert comprises a first portion of said indicia visiblethrough said frame and a second portion of said indicia visible throughsaid inner portion.
 29. The identifier tag assembly as defined in claim12, wherein said backer sheet comprise a first portion of said indiciavisible through said frame and a second portion of said indicia visiblethrough said inner portion.
 30. The identifier tag as defined in claim12, wherein said insert has approximately the same size and shape assaid frame and wherein said holder comprises a channel formed on theundersurface of said frame for receiving said insert.
 31. The identifiertag assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner portion is anopening defined by said frame.
 32. The identifier tag assembly asdefined in claim 31, wherein said opening is covered with a transparentor semi-transparent covering such that at least part of said indicia isvisible through said inner portion.
 33. The identifier tag assembly asdefined in claim 3, wherein said at least part of said indicia isprinted on a surface of said insert disposed facing said backer sheetwhen said identifier tag assembly is assembled, said indicia beingvisible through said insert.
 34. An identifier tag assembly comprising:(a) a holder having a peripheral frame surrounding an inner portion; (b)a backer sheet releasably securable to said holder; and (c) indiciaprinted on said holder or visible through said holder when said holderand said backer sheet are coupled together.